TIPS. 59 



THE SPEY CAST. 



In former days, it was tlio common ]irartire on .Spcy-sidc to 

 " reel up " in boisterous weather. This cessation of work always 

 seemed to arise from certain general defects in the tackle, such, for 

 instance, as a willowy weakness in l)oth rod and line. That, of itself, 

 would place beyond the bounds of possibility the many brilliant 

 innovations in the cast, which are now adopted by those who have 

 studied and practised the latest developments. 



To these ajiparent defects were devoted years of personal 

 attention and work, with the ha])py result that, after numberless trials 

 and alterations at the riverside, success in fashioning a special style 

 of rod, not only capable of carrying a suitable line, but of complying 

 with all the requirements associated with this much-coveted method, 

 was accomplished. 



It may be interesting to recount a few details. 



Many }ears ago, during a prolonged visit with a friend to the 

 then incomparable river .Spey, it occurred to us lint some means 

 might be devised to obviate the local custom of striking work in wind\- 

 weather. 



" .Surely \-our beautiful S])e\- cast," we observed to a practised 

 hand, "should not be restrict(-d to calm days and light favourable 

 winds ? " 



" Well, gentlemen," rey>lied jioor old ("ruiky — once the heart and 

 soul of Wester and Easter I'.lchies, and the doyen of Aberlour— " If 

 you can't get the line well away, what's the good of wasting time and 

 wearing out tackle ? " 



"But," we re])lied, "would not a heavier top joint pmpel a 



